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LAKEDRUMMOND. 



EARLY RECQLLECTIDNS. 



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m FOIiTMWL OF AISING SCENES. 



( BY ) 



SUFFOLK, VA. 






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1888. 

EVENING TELEGRAM PRINT 

Norfolk, Va. 



It^^The reader's attention is directed to the omission 
of the following two lines from the bottom of page ii. 
They should be read in connection with that page to 
make an intelligent sentence : 

Woodward and my father soon got their traps aboard 
tlien liftini^ mc in, all was ready. The drivers ad- 



U 






INTRODUCTION. 

This little volume is launched upon the sea of 
public favor. If it should stem the tide of criti- 
cism and reach a haven, my object in the writing 
of it will be accomplished. Being partially blind 
and physically unable to labor, I have adopted this 
as a means by which I might gain an honest assist- 
ance, a double object presented itself: 

First, that I might give to its readers some idea 
of the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, as 
they were and as they now are. 

Second, that I may trom the sale of my book re- 
ceive an amount that will place me beyond penury. 
The work will contain some interesting incidents, 
and in many instances, will give the real names of 
persons now living who will be acquainted with the 
subject of which I write. Having said this much 
introductory of my book I will now proceed with 
my task. 

When I determined to mdite the lines which com- 
pose this volume, I had, as has been stated, a 
double purpose in view. I thought I could not 
employ a portion of my leisure hours more profit- 
ably, certainly not more pleasantly, than by recount- 
ing some ot the scenes, incidents and associations, 
which carries my mind back to the days of "Auld 
I,ang Syne". What more natural then than that 
my thoughts should revert to the friend of my early 
manhood — one who by the uprightness of his 
character, geniality of his disposition, the chivalric 
mipulses of his nature, deserves, as it is my greatest 
pleasure to accord, the ciedication of this little 
volume ; and I have said all when I mention the 
name of my esteemed friend Robert Riddick, Esq., 
of Suffolk, Va. The Author. 

Suffolk, Va., January i, 1888. 



Chapter I. 

Description and Situation of the Swamp — 
Washington the Owner. 

The Dismal Swamp, of which but little is known, 
is a large body of dense woods, being situated and 
laying in Nansemond county, Virginia, and the 
County of Gates, in North Carolina. It contains, 
by survey, abont 100,000 acres. I have been told 
by H. E. Smith, Esq., our county treasurer, that 
4 5,000 acres were listed in the County of Nanse- 
mond. It is thickly set with Juniper, Cyrpress and 
other timber, which makes it very valuable. It 
came into the possession of General George Wash- 
ington, and after the Revolutionary War a com- 
pany known as the Dismal Swamp Land Company 
was formed and arrangements made to manufac- 
ture the timber; hands were put in the Swamp and 
it was regularly opened. A large quantity of tim- 
ber was manufactured, and Washington found it 
necessary to find some outlet for it, which could 
only be done by a canal or ditch. A suitable place 
was soon found, and Washington commenced in 
person to survey the route, known as the Washing- 
ton Ditch. He commenced at the eastern boundry 
of the farm, known as "Soldier's Hope," which be- 
longed to Col. Josiah Riddick, on the northwest 
of the Lake, and running west to what is called the 
Reed farm, on the Edentonroad, atout seven miles 
from Suffolk. A large quantity of Juniper timber 
was brought through this ditch, which was hauled 
to the Nansemond river for shipment. We were 
told by one of the agents of the company, W. S. 
Riddick, Esq., that at one time all the business of 



the company was transacted at the Reed farm; 
that behig the point at which the Ditch ended. 
This mode of getting the lumber to market was 
found to be too slow and tedious, and a more di- 
rect way was sought. How long the Washington 
Ditch was used for the bringing out of the timber 
manufactured, we have never heard. That 
will make no difference, for after the Jericho 
Canal was cut, the Ditch was abandoned, and a 
direct communication opened to the Nansemond 
river, by the way of Shingle Creek. Millions of feet 
of timber was shipped annually. The share-holders 
at that time were few in number, and their profits 
were very large. The company consisted of a 
President, Agent and Inspector; he living at or 
near Suffolk, and had charge of the work in the 
Swamp. He employed the hands, furnished all 
the supplies, sold the lumber, received all monies, 
and paid all bills. He was, in fact, the principal 
officer of the company. At a stated period, an- 
nually, a meeting would be held for a general set- 
tlement of the year's accounts. The President 
would preside, and as there were no Banks at that 
time in which to deposit money the Agent would 
have a verv large amount to turn over to the stock- 
holders. That place is no longer of much value to 
its owners, as it is a source of but little revenue. 
The shares have been divided and sub-divided until 
some of its holders get barely enough to pay the post- 
age on a letter. Ex-Senator Wm.Mahone is probably 
the largest share-holder. The Swamp has been 
leased to Jno. L. Roper, Esq., of Norfolk, for seve- 
ral years, during which he has had employed a 
large number of hands, consequently most of the 
valuable timber has been cut off. When this 
Swamp was first opened it became a harbor and 



safe refuge for runaway slaves, and when one 
reached that dense place, unless he was betrayed, 
it would be a matter of impossibility to catch him. 
Long before the war you could not take up a news- 
paper published in this part of the State but what 
you would see several cuts of a neojo-absconding 
with a stick on his shoulder and /a pack on one 
end of it, with the following advertisement: 

"Notice! $500 Reward ! Ran away_Jrom the 
subscriber, on the night of June i8th, my negro 
man, Simon. He had on when last seen, a pair 
of light pants with a black patch on the seat of the 
same. He is slue-footed, knock-kneed and bends 
over a little when walking. He may be making his 
way to the Dismal Swamp. I will pay the above 
reward for his apprehension, or his lodgment in 
some jail, so that I can get him again. 

Joe Jones." 

I knew of an imtance, just before the late war, 
where a gentleman by the name of Aug. Hilley, of 
Bertie county, N. C, had a slave to runaway, who 
was known to be a desperate character. He knew 
that he had gone to the Dismal Swamp, and to get 
him, his master offered a reward of $1,000 for his 
apprehension, dead or alive. The person who 
caught him is still living. I saw the negro when 
he was brought to Suffolk and lodged in jail. He 
had been shot at several times, but was little hurt. 
He had on a coat that was impervious to shot; it 
being thickly wadded with turkey feathers. Small 
shot were the only kind used to shoot runaway 
slaves, and it was very seldom the case that any 
ever penetrated far enough to injure. I know three 
persons now living who were runaway slave catch- 
ers, but the late war stripped them of their occu- 
pation. They were courageous and men of nerve. 



Chapter II. 
To Grow up again in a Jungle. 

But little work is now done in the Dismal 
Swamp, and it will again soou become a howling 
I wilderness, a hiding place for the bears, wild-cats, 
snakes and everything hideous. The bam -boo and 
rattan will rule supreme, and like the banyan 
tree, will form an impenetrable jungle. But a few 
years will be required for its accomplishment, and 
without an ax you could not move a foot. 

G. P. R. James, the British Counsul, who was 
stationed at Norfolk when he wrote his novel, en- 
titled, "The Old Dominion," and which was a his- 
tory of "Nat Turner's War," (as it is called) in 
Southampton county, states that a young mother, 
with her infant, fled to the Dismal Swamp for 
safety. Mr. James must have drawn heavily on his 
imagination for a figure, to make the situation more 
horrible. I do not think any mother, with an in- 
fant, would flee to such a wild and desolate place as 
the Dismal Swamp, but on the contrary would keep 
far away. 

I could relate many interestin.g- stories that I 
have heard about the Swamp, but as I am writing 
from my own observation, will discard all such 
from my task. It is true that some very myste- 
rious things have been seen at various times. I 
will, digressing a little from . my story, relate one 
circumstance that was told me by a gentleman 
who lived in Suffolk and was stopping at Lake 
i Drummond hotel, situated near the Lake shore, 
and which was visited at that time by many per- 
sons from New York and other places. This gen- 
tleman remarked to me,that he was standing near the 
Lake one morning and happening to look across 



the Lake, to his great astonishment, saw come 
out of the woods at a point so thick with reeds, 
bam-boo and rattan, that you could not get three 
feet from the shore, a beautiful, tinely dressed 
lady; she walked out on a log about twenty feet 
into the Lake, with a fishing pole in her hand. I 
saw her bait her hook and throw it out into the 
Lake. He said he could also tell the color 
of the ribbon on her bonnet. He watched 
the same place every day for several days, and at 
the same hour each day the lady appeared as be- 
fore. I told my friend that he must have been labor- 
ing under an optical delusion at the time, as the Lake 
was five miles wide at that place, and that it was 
impossible for one to distinguish objects at so 
great a distance with the naked eye. He replied 
that every part of the story was true. 

On another occasion, a gentleman, now living in 
Suftblk, told me that he was out hunting in the 
Swamp, and chancing to look to the front saw- 
snakes coming from every direction, and quite near 
him he saw a lump of them that looked to be as 
large as a barrel. He supposed that there must 
have been as many as five hundred, all so inter- 
woven that they looked like a ball of stakes. He 
said he w^as too close on them to shoot so stepping 
back he fired both barrels of his gun at the bunch. 
An untangling at once commenced, and he said, 
"consarned if he ever saw so many snakes before." 
L'pon going to the place where he had shot he 
found 150 snakes dead, and as many more wounded. 
He carried some of the largest of the dead ou 
procured a ten-foot rod, and on measuring found 
one that measured twenty-three feet. I have re- 
lated this snake story several times, but was always 



very particular to know that the oentleman who 
6old me was at some other place. 

Chapter IIL 

Healthfullness at the Swamp, 

Although the Dismal Swamp is so uninviting,, 
I it is one of the healthiest places in the United 
States. Death from disease has never been known 
in that place, and it is impossible to tell to what 
age one would attain if they would take up their 
abode in it. I have been told that instances were 
known where persons were found who were so old 
> that they had moss growing on their backs, and 
who could give no idea of their age. I once knew 
a family by the name of Draper, who lived in the 
Swamp, near the edge of the Lake. What be- 
came of them, I do not know; the spot where their 
house stood, now forms a part of the Lake. The 
constant washing of the western shore causes 
rapid encroachments, and it is only a cjuestion of 
time when it will reach the high lands. It is in the 
Dismal Swamp that Lake Drummond was dis- 
covered, by whom I do not know, but is said to 
have been found by a man named Drummond, whose 
name it bears; that will make no difference with 
me, the question is, how came it there? Was it a 
freak of nature or was it caused by warring of the 
elements, is a question for the consideration of those 
who visit it. That it was the effect of fire caused by 
lightning setting fire to the turf, or some dead tree, 
there can be no doubt. At what time in the 
Christian Era this eventful period was, it is not, 
nor never will be known. Suffice it to say, that it 
was found and is the wonder and admiration of all 
that have ever visited it. It is a broad sheet o 



water, covering an area of ri\'e by seven miles, and 
is surrounded by a dense gowth of woods, so thick 
that you cannot see the Lake until you are within 
a few feet of it. Many visitors have visited it, all 
of whom were struck with astonishment at the 
sight. It is ten miles southeast of Suffolk: 1 
will now relate some of the adventures of my first 
trip. It was on a bright morning, early in 
the month of May, 1S32, that my father and 1 
started for "Lake Drummond," or the Lake ol the 
"Dismal Swamp," as some call it; and as all prepa- 
rations had been made the night before, there was 
nothing to prevent us from making an early start. 
The idea of my going to the Lake, had driven 
sleep from my eyes, and I was ready to start at 
any time; but it was not until the grey dawn of 
day that my father began to stir. He was soon 
ready, and providing himself with fishing poles, 
bait, lunch and such other articles as were neces- 
sary for a two or three days fishing excursion, then 
taking our leave of my mother and the other 
members of the family, we were off". The 
Portsmouth and Roanoke Kailroad — now the Sea- 
board and Roanoke Railroad — was at that time 
graded as far as Suffolk. We followed the line ot 
it as far as a place known as Peter Jones, where we 
left it and passed through "Bull Field," to the 
company's mill, which is but a short distance from 
tlie basin of the Canal, at which place we were to take 
a skift^for the Lake. On arriving [at the basin we 
found Mr. James Woodward, grand-father ot 
Hersey Woodward, Escj., of Suffolk, Va. He was 
Inspector ot lumber for the "Dismal Swamp Laud 
Company," and was on his way to the Lake. The 
drivers of the skiff", Tony Nelson and Jim Brown, 
were ready, and it being now about sun-rise, Mr. 



12 

I'usted their poles and away we went, all being' a 
novelty to me, who had ne\'er before been in a 
boat on water. Everythmg appeared very strange, 
being but a very small boy as I was. Nothing 
happened to impede our progress, and in about five 
hours from the time of starting we arrived at the 
Lake. Then it was that our young soul began to 
thrill with joy, for we were at the Lake and would 
soon launch on its broad bosom. The gates of the 
Lock were opened and the skiff shoved in, then 
the first gate being closed behind us another gate 
opened. The water rushed in and soon our boat 
was on a level with the Lake. The drivers then 
took up the oars and were ready to cross to Jack's 
Landing, which was on the opposite side of the Lake. 
It being very rough at the time some tears were 
expressed, but Mr. Woodward, who was well ac- 
quainted with the situation, said that he did not 
apprehend any danger, and the skiff was put in 
motion. As I said before, it was very rough, and 
when we had gotten about half-way across it be- 
came more so; the waves began to break over the 
skift^ and all thought that it would fill. Fortunately, 
too large wooden shovels or scoops were found in 
the skiff, and with them Mr. Woodward and my 
father kept her free. "Tony" and "Jim," in the 
meantime, plying their oars manfully. We soon 
arrived at "Jack's Landing," and disembarking 
proceeded to Jack's camp, which was but a short 
distance away, and known to every person who 
had ever visited the Lake. On our arrival the 
pious Mr. Woodward oftered up to the Great Ruler 
of wind and water a prayer for our sate deliver- 
ance from a watery grave. As we had not par- 
taken of any nourishment since early morning, it 
was proposed that we should eat something, which 



13 

was readily agreed to, and in a short time we had 
gotten through that part of our work, whereupon 
my father said he would try his luck fishing. So 
taking a small boat, which he found at "Jack's 
Landing," placing me in it and then getting in 
himself he started for some good place to com- 
mence. He fished awhile at the "Forked Gum" 
without any success; moved to the"Stooping Pine," 
with a like result. He began to think that it was 
the wrong moon, and leaving that place he pad- 
dled for the "Three Cypesses," where he caught 
some very fine fish. It was now getting late in the 
afternoon and as he expected to make an early • 
start the next morning, he thought it best to re- 
turn to the camp, heading his boat in that di- 
rection he soon reached the landing; having but 
a short distance to walk we were not long in 
reaching it. Mr. Woodward had gone out to in- 
spect some lumber und it was getting time for 
his return. We did not have long to wait, he 
soon came in, and looking at my father's "Fish 
Gourd," remarked, "Neddie you have had fine 
sport; where did you catch so many such large 
Frenchmen ?', "Friend Jimmy," my father re- 
plied, "when I started, my first experiment was at 
the "Forked Gum," I did not get a nibble. I left 
it and stopped at the "Stooping Pine" with the 
same success. I began to think that I was fishing 
on the wrong moon." "Oh ! Neddie," rejoined 
Mr. Woodward, "there is nothing in the phases of 
the moon, you are not a good fisherman. I can 
take you to the "Forked Gum" and "Stooping 
Pine" and astonish you. After leaving the "Stoop- 
ping Pine," continued my father, I made for the 
"Three Cypresses," and it was there that I 
caught these fine perch." "Neddie," said Mr. 



14 

Woodard, "you are not such a bad fisherman 
after all; your success would do credit to the 
best." My father proposed to Mr. W. that we 
should have some of the fish cleaned and cooked 
for supper; the necessary order being given, in a 
short time a sufficient number were ready for 
the pan. A hot fire was made of juniper logs 
and the frying of fish commenced. In a short 
time we were told to get our shingle ready, that 
being the only kind ot plate used in the "Dismal 
Swamp," and it is a well-known fact that fish 
1 eats sweeter ofif a shingle than any plate on which it 
can be placed. The fish were very fine and greatly 
enjoyed by all. 

Supper being disposed of, a general conversation 
was indulged in about the Lake and Swamp, but 
no one present could tell anythmg satisfactory 
about the origin of the Lake; one idea was an- 
nounced and then another, throwmg but little light 
upon the subject. "Tony" and "Jim," the drivers 
of the skiff, were sitting near the embers nodding, 
when Mr. Woodward, to have a little fun, said : 
"Tony, what is your opinion of the origin of the 
Lake ?" 

Chapter IV. 
Origin of the Lake Discussed. 

Old uncle "Tony" made a rake in the embers 
with his pipe and "yas sar, my 'pinion 'bout dat 
place, boss, is dat it was dug out." Here uncle 
Jim broke in, "What de matter wid you, Tony; 
how many niggers do you 'spose 'twould take tu 
dig a hole big nufif to hole all dat water ?" "Dats 
a fac, Jim," cried vmcle Tony, "I forgot 'bout de 
water." 

"Well, Jim," querred Mr. Woodward, "how do 



15 

you account for it?"' "Marse James," uncle Jim 
sagely replied, "it 'pears to me dat somebody got 
dat place dug away, de dirt and de water washed it 
down." 

"Jim," exclaimed uncle Tony, "you am de big- 
gest fool dat I ebber seed; how's any body gwine 
git under de groun' to dig; whar will dey put de 
dirt, and whar will de water cum fum tu wash it 
down?" Yah, yah, yah; go 'way nigger, I 'spec' 
you bin mole huntin'." "Dat am a fac', Tony, I 
didn't tink 'bout dat," said uncle Jun, with an apol- 
ogetic and crestfallen air. Here Tony gave his 
pipe another rake in the embers, took a few puffs 
and fell off his log fast asleep. 

It was now getting late, and preparations were 
being made to put me to bed, which was done by 
placing some hay on the floor of the camp and 
spreading some bed clothing, which w-e had brought 
along, th^. bed was soon ready, and I was snugly 
placed upon it, although 1 could not go to sleep, 
knowing that we were to go out early in the morn- 
ing to see the sun rise on the Lake. I was called 
at the first dawn of day and told to get up; we soon 
had eaten our breakfast and everything made ready 
to leave for the Lake. We soon reached the land- 
ing, finding our boat ready. My father placed me 
in, then getting in himself, took up his paddle and 
shoved off for a position in the Lake where we 
might see the great Orb of Day bathe his face in 
the cloudy water of "Lake Drummond." We did 
not have long to wait. By the glow of light that 
began to show just under the eastern horizon, we 
were satisfied that our anticipations would soon be 
realized. 

The morning was misty, lust enough so as to 
hide the dense woods, which stood on the eastern 



i6 

shore of the Lake, and at the same time served as a 
back-£;Tound to the grand display of nature, and 
make it appear as if the sun actually came up out 
of the water as it were. The mist in front was dis- 
pelled and the rays of the sun playing on the rip- 
pling water would cause you to think that it was 
one vast cluster of diamonds. The sight was grand 
beyond my power to describe it, and I never expect 
to behold such a scene again. Everything was 
lovely, Oh that May morning — the balmy breeze, 
the air was filled with perfume of the wild flowers, 
which grew around the Lake; birds carrolled forth 
sweet music as they flitted from limb to limb; sqir- 
rels could be seen and heard chattering among the 
trees. The shore of the Lake was spread with a 
velvety green, and you would think that nature had 
done her best to make that morning lovely. Medi- 
tating on the beauty and grandeur that surrounded 
us on the broad bosom of the Lake, suddenly 
we were awakened from our reverie by the 
hoarse growl and lapping of the bears, and horrid 
cries of the wild cats, which would cause the blood 
to curdle in the veins. Thus with the sweet, some 
sour always will be found. Occasionally, at the 
Lake, a noble stag will emerge from the trees, 
showing a stately head of horns, approach to the 
water and survey the prospect, then plunge in the 
Lake to swim to the other shore. He settles very 
low, and if you did not know you would take it for 
a floating bush. They are frequently caught when 
attempting to cross the Lake. Having reached a 
good place for fishing, my father stopped at the 
place known as the "Apple Trees, "where he caught 
some very pretty fish. His bait getting scarce, he 
moved around the Lake to "Draper's Landing." 
Running the bow of the canoe upon the wharf log. 



"17 

T«,vliich was nearly on a level with the water, left liet 
without tying-, to look for some angle worms. Il 
"being rough on the Lake at the tim-e, the rolling of 
the waves caused the boat to work off, aiKi before 
he could return, she had drifted well out on the 
broad waters of the Lake. We were too small to 
realize our situation; not knowing how to paddle, 
we were left to the mercy of the waves. On the 
return of my father, seeing the great peril I was in, 
•required but a single thought for him to know what 
to do. Being a good swiip_mer he boldly plunged 
into the water, reached the boat an<i swam towing 
it to the shore. Had he not have returned in time, 
our fate could not have been told. We would have 
been capsi-zed in the Lake and drowned, or ha\^e 
•drifted ashore to be devoured by bears and other 
v.'ild animals, or stung to death by the venomous 
reptiles, that hung in clusters on trees around the 
shores of the Lake. This accident put an end to 
fishing for that day. My father was wet, and not 
having a change of clothing with him, proceeded 
to tho camp, so that he could dry. We soon ar- 
rived at Jack's Landing, and on reaching the camp, 
found Mr. Woodward, who remarked, "What is the 
matter, Neddie, did a big fish pull you overboard?'' 
He saw that my father was wet, and ordered a fire 
to be made, so that he could dry his clothes. A 
hot fire was soon made of Juniper logs, and he was 
not long in drying. 

Feeling no inconvenience from his ablution, and 
drinking a cup of hot coffee, he related the ciicum- 
stances as detailed above. "Well, Neddie," said 
Mr. W., "you should at once return thanks to the 
Giver of all Good for this miraculous escape." The 
pious Mr. Woodward joined with liim. It w-as no\\' 



«featiy dark, and preparations were made Co fiave-; 
supper. When at tlie Lake it is expected that yotn 
A^ill catch fish enou^s-h upon which to subsist, and my 
father being a good- hand at anghiig, always had a: 
good supply,, and no one on the trip wanted lor 
Ssh. The supper, which co-nsisted of fish, bread, 
and hot colifee, was soon ready. About this time 
Tony and Jim, who had been loadii%g their skill at 
the landing, returned to the camp, and taking their 
seats at the ends of some Juniper logs, were soo» 
fast asleep. We ate our supper and were then readj? 
for any kind oi story that was told. 

Chapter V, 

The Visit of Thos, Moore,, as Related bv 
Tony, 
As uncle Ton-y was perhaps the oldest personi 
and knew more about the Lake tlian any person 
ihen engaged at it, he was awakend, and Mr, Wood- 
^'ard said, "uncle Tony, I wan-t you to tell us about 
^he man whom you said you brought to the Lake 
in 1821." "Who tole you 'bout dat, boss?" in- 
quired uncle Tony, with an air of conscious pride. 
"It will make no difference, go on and tell us," re 
lurned Mr. Woodward. Tony scratched his head, 
ihen putting some tobacco in his pipe, took out his 
' tlint and steel, (n^atches not being known in the 
swamp at that day) soon had fire enough to light 
his pipe. Drawing on it enough to get his "nigger 
head" tobacco to burn — fixing himself on the end 
of his log and commenced : "Boss, I shall nebber 
forgit dat time; one mornin' as I war gittin' my 
skif reddy to go to de Lake, a mity nice lookin' 
man cum up to me an' sed Buck, ar you de man dat 
will carry me to de Lake ob de Dismal Swamp, for 



■^9 

which 1 will pay you one pound? De geritiilcfjt, 
talked so putty dat I toleTiim to git in my skif aH" 
I wood carry him to de Lake. I notice dat he kep 
Hvritin' all de way. When I got to de horse camps i 
stopped to git somfin to eat. He cum outen de 
skif an'ax me what I stop for. I tole him I stop to eat 
■some meat an' bread. He ax me it" I would have a 
•drinlv. I tu'k offmy -hat an' to]e him dat I woulcl 
be much obkged to him for it. He foched a sil- 
ber jug, wid a silber cup for a stopper, an' sed, my 
man, dis is Irish -whiskey, brung it all -de way from 
^home. He tole me dat his name -was Thomas 
Moore, and dat he cum fom 'way ober yonder: I 
dun forgot de name ob de place, an' was gwine te 
de Lake to writr 'bout a spirit dat is -seed dar pad- 
dlin' a kunnue. De har gin tu rise on my hed, 
an' I ax him ef dat wus a fac'. He sed <la-t he wus 
tole so in Norfolk. It was gin out dar dat a mitey 
putty gal had loss her swethart, an' had dun gone • 
crazy, an' had gone to de Lake ob de Disma] 
Swamp an' drown herself, an' dat she ken be seen 
ebery night by de lite ob some sort ob fli." "I tell 
you, boss," continued the old man, "when he tole 
me 'bout dat gal paddlin' dat bote on de Lake at 
mte, I diden' want to go any furder wid him, but 
he tole me dar wood be no danger. I could not 
see hur, so I carrid him on to de Lake. He rit like 
de gal had run away an' had been drowned rite 
here. I shal nebber forgit dat gentman. I fotch 
hmi back an' he gin me de poun', which war hve 
dollars, an' he lef for Norfolk, bein' mitey glad dat 
I had carrid him to de Lake." 

"Tony, did he tell you anything about his trip?" 
inquired Mr. Woodward. 

"Yas, sar," replied the old man. "He tole me 
dat be had trabblcd an' seen sites, but dat he neb- 



20 

ber wus so 'stonish befa'; he did not 'spec' to see 
at de end ob de kunel sich a putty place, an' dat I 
wood hear some time what he was gwine tu say 
'bout it." "That was Tom Moore, the Irisli poet,'"' 
said Mr. W. "De who?" interrupted Tony. "He 
came to this country," continued Mr. W., "to visit 
the Lake, as being one of the wonders of nature, 
and you were fortunate in having to wait on such a 
distinguished person." 

Tom Moore, after he had arrived in this country^ 
no doubt heard of the Lake oi the Dismal Swampy 
and when he reached Norfolk, Va., and the story 
of the fair maiden and her lover being fresh, might 
have mduced him to visit it, and it was on that oc- 
casion that he penned the following lines : 

"They made her grave tfrat was too cold and damp. 
For a soul so warm and true." 

. His poem on the "Lake of the Dismal Swamp," 

no doubt, is familiar with every person of ordinary 

information, and can be found in every library, and 

should be read by every person who has never 

done so. 

Chapter VL 

Porte Crayon's Visit, Incidents, etc. 

At a much later date, the Lake was visited by 
Porte Crayon, who was at that time writing for Har- 
per's Monthly. The account given of his trip, 
with his illustrations, are very life-like and inter- 
esting, and in the February or March number of 
that valuable book, for the year 1857, you will be 
greatly amused at the description there given. Two 
darkies, Eli Chalker and Jim Pearce, were the dri- 
vers of the pleasure boat furnished by W. S. Rid- 
dick, Esq., the then agent of the Dismal Swamp 
Land Company, in which he was carried to the 



21 

Lake. He was there some two or three days, and 
his writings should be read to be appreciated. It 
was at the Lake that he saw uncle "Aleck," of 
whom a fac-simile likeness is given in the book 
above referred to. Uncle "Aleck" was a superan- 
uated old colored man, belonging to the Reverend 
Jacob Keeling, Eector ofthe Episcopal Churches in 
Nansemond county, Virginia. He was quite old, 
and retained his memory to a remarkable degree. 
He was called the "Bee Hunter" of. the Dismal 
Swamp, and, if I am not mistaken, had a bag of 
bees in his hand when Porte first met him. He 
would follow bees for a long distance, cutting his 
way through the reeds for miles in a straight line, 
until he came to the tree in which was the hollow. 
Then he would take out the bees, put them into a 
bag and bring them out. In going to the Lake 
you could see numberless paths cut by uncle Aleck 
for that purpose. The opening through the reeds 
would look to be about two feet wide and ten feet 
high, which was almost the length of the reeds. 
LTncle Aleck worked in the Swamp nearly all his 
life, was a faithful hand, and in his old age the com- 
pany gave him a house and piece of land, as a home 
daring his natural life. A mule was also given to 
him by the company, which muie I had the honor 
of riding at a tournament at Suflblk, Va., in i860. 
How old he was no one could tell at that time. 
No account is given of any mules being in the Ark 
at the time that she settled on dry land, and where 
that mule came from will never be known. It is 
very certain that he appeared on this mundane 
sphere at some period after the flood. If he is 
dead I have heard nothing of it. He may be wan- 
dering about the Dismal Swamp. Old uncle Aleck 
and his mule were great curiosities, and whenever 



22 

he came to town on his mule they attracted a great 
deal of attention. He was an exhorter in the Meth- 
odist Churches for colored people, and always had 
in his pocket a Testament or Hymn book. He was 
perfectly conversant with the Bible, and could re- 
fer readily to any passage of Scripture that you 
might mention. He was born 1783 and died a few- 
years ago, having attained the age of one hundred 
years, his mind being as vivid and active as at any 
time. We shall never forget uncle "Aleck" and 
his mule; they were things of our earliest recollec- 
tion, and like many of the landmarks at the "Lake 
of the Dismal Swamp" have been washed away. I 
have been to it frequently since my first visit, 
and would notice the changes made by the rude 
hand of time. 

I have examined several writers that have writ- 
ten about "Uncle Aleck's Mule," and am satisfied 
that it was the same one that "Nat Turner" rode 
when on his raid of murder in Southampton county, 
Va., in 1831. Looking over the diary of Colonel 
Godfrey, for thirty years, we notice that he said 
"Nat Turner," when he appeared in the avenue of 
Dr. Blount, on that fatal night, he rode at the head 
of the column, mounted on a sorrel mule, with flax 
mane and tail. But the question arises, how that 
mule got into the Dismal Swamp, and how he came 
in possession of the Dismal Swamp Land Com- 
pany. Col. Godfrey states that there were several 
guns in the house of Dr. Blount, and several vis- 
itors there at the time; that the young Blount 
loaded the guns, and that a strong fire was kept up 
on the advancing column. Nat Turner was thrown 
from his mule, then they became panic-stricken, 
and were dispersed. For the brax'ery displayed by 
vouno- Blount on that occasion, he received a mid- 



23 

shipman's warrant in the Ignited States Navy. I 
will now quote from G. P. R. James' book called 
the "Old Dominion," in which he states that a 
"young mother, with her infant, fled to the Dismal 
Swamp for safety." It was several miles away, 
and it may be that she drove that same mule, and 
the probability is- that she left the mule in the 
Swamp, and that he wandered about until he found 
Jack's Camp, where he was secured and became 
the property of the Dismal Swamp Land Com- 
pany. How long the company worked him before 
he became the property of uncle Aleck I do not 
know, but am satisfied that it was several years, 
and that his wind was injured bv over-loading. I 
have the testimony of a gentleman, well-known ill 
Suffolk, now living, who stated that he saw a cym- 
ling vine at Jack's Camp which was of spontaneous 
growth, and which covered more Juniper trees than 
he could_^count, and from that vine there was gath- 
ered two hundred and fifty cart loads of cymlings. 
It may be that the hauling away of these cymlings 
so injured the mule that he was no longer of ser- 
vice to the company. There is no doubt he was 
turned over to uncle Aleck, which must have been 
during the year 1832. I was in the Swamp during 
that year and saw the cymling vine above alluded 
to, and no one could tell how it came to grow there. 
It will be impossible for me to tell how old uncle 
Aleck's mule was, or what became of him. I have 
never heard that he died or was killed. He was no 
doubt the most remarkable mule that ever lived. 
The last that I heard from him was related by un- 
cle Aleck himself, and which was no doubt true. I 
will relate as near as I can what the old man told 
me. He came to Suffolk one day, and I noticed 
that he was very much excited. I said to him, 



24 

"Uncle Aleck, what has happened to you ?" He an- 
swered, "Marse Robert, I never was in sich a tix 
befo' in all my life ; I have foug-ht bears, rattle- 
snakes, wild cats and bees, but I tell you, sum fin 
has happened to me to-day dat never been known 
to befall any one." "What was that uncle Aleck ?" 
I inquired. "I'm terribly upsot, and I dunno what 
to do. I shall hab to move away frum my place; 

, a whirl-wind struck my well dis mornin' and has 
twisted it so dat I can't git de bucket down in de 
well, and I can't git no water, an' what is wuss dan 
all, my mule has been translated. He wus a 
good mule, and, his loss ruins me." I saw uncle 
Aleck some time after that, when he told me that 
he was' out in the Swamp hunting bees, when lo '• 
and behold, he heard his mule bray. He cast his 

♦ eyes up and saw^ him lodged in the forks of a large 
tree. There was no way by which he could get 
him down, and left him as he thought to die. But 
his surprise can be imagined when he heard nuz- 
zling at the door one morning, when upon opening^ 
what should he see but his mule. How he came 
down he could not tell, but said he should always 
believe that his mule could climb a tree. I said it 
must have been a providential interference, and that 
the same Power which landed him in the tree was 
able to lift him out. "Dat is so," said the old man, 
"an' I will nebber agin' complain at de ways ob an 
over-rulin' providence." I often think of Col. God- 
frey and his remark, when he said that what best 
conduces to the happiness of mankind is right. Un- 
cle Aleck, knowing that his mule was at home with 
his head well in the crib, and he in the Swamp fight- 
ing bears and bees, was perfectly happy. Uncle 
Aleck and his mule are both now dead, and I shall 
always have a lively recollection of them. I often 



think of them, and that I rode uncle Aleck's mule as 
Knight ol" the Dismal Swamp at a tournament, won 
the first honor, and was ruled out on account of my 
mule not making time, much to the mortirication of 
uncle Aleck. As uncle Aleck and his mule will 
appear again, I will leave them for the present and 
relate an interesting conversation with Mr. Richard 
Hosier, who now lives in Suffolk, and who is as well 
acquainted with the Dismal Swamp as any one now- 
living. He is perfectly familiar with every part of 
it, and is no doubt correct in many of his statements. 
He informed me that long before the Lake was dis- 
covered by Drummond, two gentlemen from Eliza- 
beth City, N. C, left for the Dismal Swamp on a 
hunting expedition, and having lost their way , wan- 
dered about until they came to what they discovered 
to be a large body of water. From it they traveled 
a due w'est course and came out at a farm on the 
Desert road, known as Mossy Swamp, and one of 
the men was taken sick and died ; the other one 
returned to EHzabeth City. Mr. Hosier did not 
state when this was, but said it was long before 
Drummond made known that he had discovered a 
lake in the Dismal Swamp. It will be remembered 
that Mr. Hosier was arrested in Norfolk in 1863, by 
order of the Federal General then commanding that 
Department, and was being carried toward the In- 
dian Pole Bridge to be put to work on the defences 
of Norfolk. He was not disposed to do work in 
that way, and when well out from Norfolk he eluded 
the guard that had him, and directed his steps to- 
ward the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth river. 
On his arrival, seeing boats passing up and down, 
he secreted himself until the darkness of night had 
fallen, then making a bundle of his clothes and 
placing it on his head, he entered the river and 



26 

swam to the other shore. He then pursued his way 
to the Deep Creek Canal, which he forded, arriving 
at the " Feeder," he was not far from the Lake, 
and was at a place with which he was well acquain- 
ted, and out of the reach of all danger of being re- 
captured. Resting himself awhile, he then started 
for the Lake, and it was at that place he performed 
his great teat. He could not procure a boat, and 
the prospect before him was gloomy indeed. If he 
remained there he would, in all probability, have 
been devoured by bears and other wild animals in 
the Swamp, or perhaps starve. Not being in the 
least daunted he prepared himself to reach the 
western shore, which could only be done by swim 
ming. It was seven miles across, but he nerved 
himself to the accomplishment of his object. He 
prepared himself as before by making a bundle of 
his clothes, which he placed on the top of his head, 
and was then ready to swim across or perish in the 
attempt. When he was about half-way across he 
was attacked by a large serpent, and had it not been 
for school of gars that was following him he would no 
doubt have been devoured. He reached the shore 
only to meet a more formidable enemy. It was a 
large black bear. In his scuffle with the serpent he 
had lost his bundle of clothes and had nothing but 
a large knife, which was buckled around his waist. 
Drawing his knife, he rushed forward and was met 
by the bear, when a regular hand-to-hand fight was 
commenced. He did not wrestle long before he 
found an opportunity to use his knife, and plung- 
ing it up to the hilt, he soon had the bear lying 
prostrate at his feet. Having lost all his clothes, it 
became necessary that he should do something in 
his nude state. The bear's skin was the only thing 
that he could get, so with his knife he skinned him, 



•and getting inside the skin 'he started to find sonre 
settlement. But his condition was as bad as before. 
The idea of his being able to get near enough to 
anv person to tell of his condition was absurd. The 
very sight of him would scare every man, wo- 
man and child off the plantation. He could not ge 
a living soul to come to him, and it was not until he 
liad reached his own home, some few miles from 
Suffolk, that he could present himself as Mr. Hosier. 
I could write many very interesting incidents 
connected ^\'ith the of life Mr. Hosier, 
which, in manv instances, are thrilling. But as we 
are writing our own recollections, I shall only notice 
-in a few cases what I ha\'e been tokl by others. 

Chapter VH. 
maky changes have taken place. 
It is pleasant to me that I can take a retrospective 
view of the past and note the many changes that have 
taken place within my recollection. Many sad 
changes have taken place within the past fifty years. 
Dynasties have arisen, lived and have had their 
day; they have fallen, and are known as things that 
were. But four of the companions of my school- 
boy days are living, and it is only now and then 
ihat we meet with one. The Rev. R. H.Jones, of 
Norfolk, \s the only one that we have seen or known 
away from Suffolk. The honored landmarks of 
the town are few, and soon must be less. Benja 
min Riddick, the present mayor of the town, is per- 
haps the oldest citizen in it — Judge P. B. Prentice, 
the polished gentleman — his manly form can be 
seen on our streets, as he, with intrepid steps, passes 
along; he is the oldest native citizen, and pos- 
sesses a mind as active and vigorous as when young. 



2g 

John Hufifaian, Esq., is another of the landmarks of 
the town ; he has hved nearly his four-score years. 
Whitmill Jones, Esq., is another of our old friends. 
His steps are feeble and trembling-. The last of the 
old pioneers of Suffolk, whom we shall notice, is 
James B. Norfleet, Esq, He is perhaps more gen- 
erally known than any man who has ever lived in 
the place. He conducted for many years a very 
extensive mercantile and lumber business, but fell a 
victim to his generous impulses. The cypresses 
that was known as the "apple tree," which stood 
in the Lake a short distance to the left of the 
"Lock," has been blown down, or washed 
up with its roots, and m a short time nothing 
will be seen of it. The house which stood not 
very far from the western shore of the Lake 
and cccupied by a family known as Draper, 
has been washed away, and nothing left to show 
that a human habitation ever had any existence 
there. Before the late war a pleasure boat was 
kept by the company for the accommodation of 
parties that wished to visit the Lake, and it was 
customary for several parties to go in early Spring, 
commencing about the first of May, that being the 
most pleasant time and nature about to put on her 
coat ot green. But few parties now venture in, ow- 
ing to the inconvenience that attend, and when 
they do go they have to get in the best way they 
can. The pleasure boat and other boats in the ca- 
nal were cut up by order of Gen. Peck, command- 
ing the U. S. forces at Suffolk, Va., and carried to 
the Blackwater river to be used as pontoons across 
that stream. But I doubt it they were ever used 
for that purpose. After the surrender, so great 
was the demand for boats by strangers that wished 



29 

to visit the Lake of the Dismal Swamp, that Capt. 
Busby, an energetic citizen of Nansemond county, 
Virginia, had erected near the Lake a Hotel known 
as the Lake Drummond Hotel, and to invite visitors 
he had built a beautiful " Gondola," which was run 
daily to the Lake during the season. That old trojan, 
Capt. Jack Robinson, being in charge of the hotel, 
caused it to be well filled. It wao very frequently 
the case that parties would come from Norfolk to 
go on from Suffolk, they having heard that the 
Gondola left her wharf every day for the Lake. I 
recollect a party of three young gentlemen that 
came from Norfolk, who wished to visit Lake Drum- 
mond. They stopped at the Exchange Hotel and 
made known the fact. The polite manager, Eddie 
S. Riddick, Esq., soon saw Capt. Busby, and his 
Gondola was chartered to carry the party to the 
Lake. Air. R. made every preparation necessarv 
for them ; but one of the parties heard that an 
alligator was on exhibition near the Hotel, and 
thinking that it was brought from the Lake, at once 
provided himself with a rifle and a large quantity of 
fixed ammunition. All were then ready and they 
eft for the Canal, where they would take the Gon- 
dola. She was then at her wharf, and everything 
being placed in, Capt. Busby took his stand at the 
wheel and gave orders to the first-mate to have the 
Gandola cast loose, which was at once obeyed, and 
like a swan she was gliding on in the canal at the 
fearful rate of about two miles an hour. To pre- 
vent any confusion if attacked, one of the most dar- 
ing young men of the party, being one of the three 
from Norfolk, Va., placed himself in the bow of 
the Gondola, with rife in hand and a box of ammu- 
nition conviently nigh, awaited an attack from any 
quarter. When passing what is known as "Paradise 



30 

Old Field," one of the party cried alligator ! The 
young man at the bow at once opened fire, and it 
was not until he had^shot away a whole box of 
ammunition, tliat he discovered the supposed alli- 
gator to be nothing more dangerous than a floating 
log. Quiet having been restored the Capt. struck 
two bells, and the Gondola was on her way again, 
but unfortunately had not proceeded many miles 
when a snake fell in off an overhanging limb of a 
tree, and so near one of the young men that it 
^ caused him to jump over into the canal. The mate 
ordered one of the deck hands to throw the snake 
out, whilst others were fishing out the young man, 
who had jumped overboard. Capt. Busby, fearing 
that some other accident might happen before 
reaching the Hotel, thought it best that passengers 
should occupy tlieir state-rooms until a landing- 
was made at the Hotel. He said with so much 
confusion it would be impossible for him to land 
his Gondola safely. Capt. Jack, of the Hotel, was 
watching the movements of Capt. Busby and comp- 
limented him for his dexterity. He walked down 
from the Hotel and escorted the guests up, who had 
just arrived. The Hotel is of the Irish style of 
architecture, with parlor, kitchen, dining and bed- 
room all in the same room, the whole being heated 
with a hot air furnace. I have not been to the Lake 
for some time, but hear that great improvements 
have been made, and it is the object of the proprietor 
of the Hotel to turn the attention of Northern visi- 
tors to Florida every winter in that direction, be- 
lieving that it is the healthiest place in the United 
States. It is very accessible, the Norfolk and 
Western railroad passing through its northern 
boundary, and the Suffolk and Carolina short line 



31 

or Grand Trunk railroad, on its Western, which by 
running a raih'ord from Kimerville, on tlie Grand 
Trunk, would bring the Lake Hotel within a few 
minutes ride from Suffolk, and with little or no in- 
convience to invalids coming from the rigid climate 
of the North. I am told that all snakes remain in 
a torpid state during the winter and no danger 
might be expected from them, and as the floors of 
the Hotel would be kept tight no vermm could 
crawl through. There can be no doubt that the 
Lake of the Dismal Swamp must become the great 
centre of health seekers, and that, at an early day. 
Its location and advantages, the known healthliness 
of the place, to say nothing of its beauty and for- 
mer renown, is sufficient to attract the attention of 
persons that seek the Sunny South from the cold 
and rigorous climate of the extreme northern 
states of the Union. It is true that some writers 
pronounce the warm and genial climate ol the 
Sunny South to be a fraud, practiced to allure the 
unsuspecting. That cannot be so. It is universally 
known that the " Dismal Swamp " is the healthiest 
place in the known world. Where can you find 
a location in which a death has not occurred in a 
hundred years. It cannot be named. 

Chapter VIII. 
the future for the dismal swamp. 
The Dismal Swamp in Virginia is the only place* 
where a death from disease has never occurred. 
Railroads, like hog paths, are being run in every 
direction, and the time is not far distant when a rail- 
road will be run direct to the beautiful Lake of the 
Dismal Swamp, and Northern invalids will flock to 
its shores, there to bathe in its Juniper water and 
be healed from all disease. True, at this time it is 



32 

in a rude and wild condition, but with the Suffolk 
Carolina Grand Trunk 11. R., stretching across its 
western front, civilization must tend toward it. and 
when a comninnication direct is opened, a city, 
Cincinattus like, will spring along it shores and its 
inhabitants can, by the light of the glow worm of 
fire fly, watch the paddling of the white canoe, so 
beautifully described by Moore in his poem. 
Another very interesting place near the swamp is a 
larm, which at one time belonged to General Wash- 
ington. It is at the extreme south and is now- 
owned by Mrs. John Trotman, and she has in her 
possession the original title deeds of every person 
who has owned the place at various times from 
Washington down to the last purchaser, who was 
Burrell Brothers, Esq., of Gates county. North 
Carolina, and an uncle of the above named lady. 
At his death it fell to his widow, who gave it to 
Mrs. John Trotman, its present owner. I have 
visited the place several times and the cellars can 
now be seen where stood the first house. It is very 
certain that it was settled many years ago, from the 
fact that I saw a tomb stone of a doctor frOm 
Waterbury, Connectticut, who died there in 1800; 
this stone has been seen by many persons. There 
is another place of some note that adjoins the 
Washington farm, it is known as Hamburgs. At 
this place a ditch or canal was dug, running east to 
the north-west Lock of the Dismal Swamp Canal, 
through w^hich a vast quantity of grain and other 
produce raised by the farmers of Gates county, was 
shipped to Norfolk. An extensive mercantile busi- 
ness was carried on at Hamburg by Col. T. W. 
Smith, so well known, who afterwards removed to 
and now resides in Suftblk, Ya. It was at Ham- 



33 

"burg tliat so many refugees ran the blockade duf- 
ang the late war from Norfolk and other places, and 
51 number of incidents could be related of persons 
that sought that place to get in and out of the Con- 
federate lines. Hamburg is a beautiful place and 
is owned by Mrs. S. C. Voight, who resides upon 
the premises. It was at this place that Beast But- 
ler, of the F"ederal Army, carried on a very exten- 
sive barter trade with the Rebs. It adjoins the 
Washington farm, as I said before, and may have 
been at one tune a part of it, I know nothin.g- of 
the first settlement of the place. It has the appear- 
ance of bemg very ancient — no doubt dates back 
many years before the i evolution. Or it may have 
been the headquarters of u roving ti'ibe of Indians, as 
many arrow points and tomahawks have been 
ploughed up on the place. To my friend T. H. 
Lassiter, Esq., of Gates county. North Carolina, I 
am indebted for much of the information gained of 
that locality, and I could relate a good deal told to 
me by that gentleman, which might be very inter- 
esting. Mr. Lassiter lives at a beautiful farm, on 
the main Edenton road, near the Silver Spring, a 
place of great resort for persons living in that part 
of the county. 

I will relate a very interesting conversation which 
I had with a \ery old colored man that I met in the 
road near the Orapeake Mill, in Gates county. 
North Carolina, when on my way to Suffolk, Va., 
and not far from the beautiful village of Jonesville, 
lying on both sides of the Suffolk and Carolina 
Short Line or Grand Trunk Railroad. I said to 
the old man, " uncle where do you live ?" " Boss 
you ax me a hard question," replied the old man. 
" Git oft" your boss an sot down, I'm gwine tell you 
sumfin. Do you smoke de pipe boss."' I replied 



that I did and handed him my bag of tobacco. 
He took from his pocket what I supposed he called 
a pipe, it was the butt end of a corn cob, hollowed 
out with somethmg- protruding at a right angle, 
which he called a stem ; what it really was, I could 
not tell. He filled it with tobacco. I then handed 
him a match, when thanking me very kindly he 
lighted his pipe, drawing it a few times to see that 
it was well lighted,said"Boss I will now tol you snm- 
thin dat happen many years ago. Do you see dat 
mill pon' yonder?" alluding to the Orapeake, I 
replied that I did. " Well boss, dat pon' was de 
cause of my trouble. One dark nite I was in dar 
strikin at fish, I had jist hit a large chub, when a 
white man, who was in dar strikin, cum up and sed, 
boy dat is my fish. I tole him dat I kilt de fish 
an dat it was mine; 'bout dat time he was gwine to 
take de fish an den I took up my hatchet dat I had 
in de bote, whar I split liteard wid and hit him on 
de head, he drapped down in de bote and I seed 
dat I had done somefin bad ; de man was dead and 
I wood be hung if dey cotched me, so I drug de 
man ober de side of de bote into de water an mashed 
him down in de mud, an dat man never cum up any 
more. I didn't go home any more; an arter a 
while de white man was missin, and de peple gin to 
talk, an I gin to git skared. Do you see dat house 
up dar?" I said I did. "Well, Marse Luke Sum- 
mer libbed dar, de big house dat he libbed in is 
done torn down and de small one made outen it." 
He is done ded now, and when he libbed dar is 
mor'n a hundred year ago. His gran-son, Marse 
Joe Riddick, now own de place, an libs at it. He 
mus be ni eighty year old. Well dey fine de 
White man was done missin, an it bin dat I was 
strikin fish in de Mill pon' de same nite, dey 'gin to 



35 

look for nie.an my daddy tole me dat I had better go 
into de desart, which was de Dismal Swamp. I 
took his 'vice, an lef; de runaway ketchers cum in 
dar to look for me, but didn't get me. I staid dar 
till de war was ober. I cum out and hab been look 
'bout dis place to see if I node anybody, but dey 
all gone ded, an nobody nose me. I tell you boss, 
when you git in de desert ef no body ses nuffin, de 
runaway ketchers can't kotch you. I am berry ole 
now, an my home folks are all ded an gone an I no 
nobody. De ghost ob de white man dat I kilt 
hants me all de time, whar ebber I go, and I is a 
misable man. I am now on my way to de desart to 
hide myself and die." I asked him who he be- 
longed to at the time he committed the murder. 
Replying he said; " I longed to Capt. Richard 
Brothers, in de desart." " Well," I said, "did he 
ever know what became of you ?'' "I nebber heard 
any more from him arter I got in de desart. I 
heard dat he dide in i<§i7 ob de cole plague, or 
black tongue. " You are correct in what you have 
said, uncle," I replied. " I do not wish to inter- 
view you any longer on that subject. He was my 
grand-father and lived at the place mentioned by 
you. I hear the old people speak of the circum- 
stances; you were his carriage driver, at the time, 
and your name is " Long Davy." " Yas sar, dat 
is my name, but don't tell any body 'bout it. I 
had a brudder libing in de low parrish of Nanse- 
mond county, but he is ded. His name was George." 
I said, "uncle Davy, you are correct." On one oc- 
casion being at Driver's Store, in Lower Parrish, of 
Nansemond, I saw a tall and very polite colored 
man drive up. I was struck with his appearance, 
and asking him his name, he said George W. Cos- 
tew, sir." "Then you are from Sunsbury, Gates 



36 

eounty, North Carolina." "I was from that place; 
he replied, " but have been living in the Lower- 
Parish since the breaking out of the war." "Were- 
you a slave or free-born " I inquired. "I was a 
slave," he responded. " Who was your first 
owner that you recollect." "Capt. Richard Broth- 
ers, on the desert road, Nansemond county, Va., 
who, died with the cold plague, in 1817," h-e readily 
answered. He appeared to be very much pleased, 
when I told him that his first master was my grand- 
father. He looked at me very straight and asked 
me my mother's name, and upon my answering 
Margaret, he said that he thought he could see a 
family likeness, and that my mother was the first 
mistress he ever had, she " drawmg " him in the 
division of my grand-father's property. I left him 
at Driver's Store and never saw him agam. I have 
.since heard that he was dead. I often thought ot 
the cii'cumstance of the meeting. Such frequently 
occurs and bring up recollections that are buried in 
oblivion. The corroborative testimony of George 
satisfied me that "Davy " was true in what he re- 
lated to me about what happened at Orapeake Mill 
Pond, in Gates county. North Carolina, near the 
beautiful village of Jonesville, on the Grand Trunk 
Railroad. 

Chapter IX. 

SUFFOLK AND EARLY DAYS. 

I will take the above railroad and return to Suf- 
folk, when I will say something of my early recol- 
lections of that place. It was in the year 1830, that 
my father, with his family, moved to it. I was 
quite small at that time, but I recollect the time 
well. Suffolk was then a small village, situated on 
the Nansemond river, with a population ol about 



37 

five hundred, and increased very slowly in popula- 
tion until after the surrender, which was in Aprih 
1865. Since that it has increased very rapidly in 
population and growth. It was in Suffolk that 
Henry Harman commenced his business career; 
moved to Norfolk in 1832, and became one of her 
successful merchants. At his death, his remains 
were brought to Suffolk, and now quietly rest in 
Cedar Hill Cemetery. 1 could mention many in- 
stances of successful business men of that town, 
were it necessary. I will now write of things ot 
more recent date; something within the recollection 
of many persons yet living. It will be recollected 
that a fire broke out in June, 1837, that destroyed 
the lower part of the town. There were no engines 
in the place and the flames raged with great fury; 
the Allen residence, at IJose Hill, about one half 
mile distant, was set on fire several times, by the 
flying debris, and it was with difficulty that the 
house was saved. It was at Rose Hill that a large 
mercantile business was carried on, and no doubt 
a large quantity of Juniper lumber was shipped 1 
from that point, belonging to private individuals. 
A wharf was built at the mouth of Shingle Creek, 
I imagine long before the Jericho Canal was dug, 
and large quantities of lumber was hauled to it by 
persons living on the edge of the Dismal Swamp. 
We will mention one person that we knew who 
owned a large Juniper Glade. I know of one who 
owned a large tract of Juniper, and he no doubt 
shipped Irom Allen's wharf. His name was Thomas 
Swepston and lived not far from Suffolk, on the 
line of the Seaboard Railroad, which divides his 
farm. He was agent ol the Dismal Swamp Land 
Company for several years, and may have been 
the first, after the Jericho Canal was opened. The 



38 

last agent, of whom I have any knowledge, was 
W. S. Riddick, Esq., who died several years ago. 
The last Inspector of lumber was J. E. Bonnewell, 
of whom it is my pleasure to notice particularly. 
Perhaps no man was more generally known and 
respected in Suffolk than he. He was a true friend, 
benevolent and kind, never refusing to bestow 
charity when called upon. He succeeded Mr. 
Joseph Hill, as Inspector for the Company, which 
office he held until his death. It was during his 
term of office that it was made so pleasant to visit 
the Lake; by giving timely notice, he would always 
give the parties the best boats and the most trusty 
hands as drivers, and would always be present when 
the boat left its landing and when it returned, and 
was anxious to know if any mishaps had occurred 
to any of the party. And if it should be re[)orted 
that some lady had fallen into the Canal he would 
always very politely ask that she be carried into his 
house to be made more comfortable. Capt. Babel 
Jones, of Philadelphia, was his bosom friend. When 
the Capt. was in Suffolk, they could always be found 
together. They both have passed away, and a 
generous people will do justice to their memory. 
Capt. Bonnewell died leaving a rich heritage be- 
hind; a name that will live as long as it is called. 
But few have lived and died who was so much be- 
loved and respected as he. He was proud, but not 
haughty, and flexible to kind impulses. He was 
the soul of honor, and no one can say that he even 
failed to accord to every one their just dues. I 
knew him from my boyhood up and never knew a 
better man. He left an interesting family — Mrs. H. 
R. Culley, being his eldest daughter. I could 
write many noble traits in the character of that 
good man, but it is not necessary. There are but 



39 

few of his compeers now living, and soon they will 
all have passed away. Such is the march of time. 
Nothing very important transpired in Suffolk from 
1837, until after the close of the late war, when 
she awoke from her slumbering condition. — her 
watch-word being progress. She brushed the dust 
from her eyes, and her advancement in every 
branch of industry can be seen in her rapid growth. 
She stands second to no town in a commerical point 
of view. Her manufacturing interests are consider- 
able, and being a railroad centre, she must pros- 
per and grow. The disastrous fire, which occurred 
June 7th, 1885, impeded business for a few months. 
But our men of capital at once commenced to re- 
pair the breach, and she is again on the road to 
fame and wealth. And it is to the Suffolk and 
Carolina or Short Lme Railroad, that Suffolk is 
mostly indebted for her present prosperous condi- 
tion. Penetrating as it does, a country that is rich 
and fertile, she has already felt its influence and it 
should be fostered as one of the main arteries to 
her prosperity. 

Chapter X. 

ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY. 

This railroad was projected by the energetic and 
far seeing W. H. Gay, Esq., of Suffolk, as a lum- 
ber road, who pushed it rapidly as far south as 
Sunsbury, in Gates county, N. C. He soon saw 
that it was a grand enterprise, and associated with 
him several gentlemen of the city of Baltimore, in 
its construction, who afterwards bought out Mr. 
Gay's interest, and have constructed a road that 
will soon become one of the leading lines, connect- 
ting as it does, by a line of steamboats, the waters, 
of Albermarle Sound and the Adantic Ocean, and 



40 

bringing eastern North Carolina in direct commu- 
nication with the the city of Baltimore. Under the 
able management of Mr. H. B. Hubbell, the effi- 
cient vice-President of the company, and R. H. 
Thompson, Esq., as general manager, with the as- 
sisstance of Col. Harry McCleary, the road has 
been brought to its present flourishing condition, 
and the Gay manufacturing company, under Presi- 
dent Camp, is one of its chief adjuncts. This road 
now connects with the Norfolk and Western, and 
the Atlantic and Dan\ille railways, and soon large 
quantities of freight will be transferred from it to 
the above named roads. 

Suffolk is more particularly noted for her schools, 
colleges, and other institutions of learning, all of 
which are in a very prosperous condition. The 
Suffolk Military Academy, under the direction of 
Joseph King, principal, with its professorship, is no 
doubt the best school for young men m tide-water 
Virginia. The character and standing of it, with 
its location for health, is a recommendation that 
must tend greatly to its success. Another school 
of high grade is the Suffolk Collegiate Institute, 
under the professorship of P. J. Kernodle, is an in- 
stitution that has been established for several years, 
and has received a liberal support from its friends. 
The course at this institution is thorough; young 
ladies are taught the higher branches and are in- 
structed in music, drawing and painting. The 
west end Female Seminary, under the direct super- 
vision of Col. W. H. Darden, formerly of Isle of 
Wight county, Va., with Miss Novella Darden, as 
principal, with the assistance of Miss Lizzie J. 
King, gives to the school a reputation that must 
add greatly to its success. Young ladies at this 
school are instructed in all the higher branches, 



41 

music, painting and drawing. It is elligibly located 
•on College Avenue. The Suffolk Female Insti- 
tute, under the direction of the Missess Finney is 
two well known to require a notice. It is the old- 
est established school in Suffolk, and enjoys a re- 
putation that is enviable. It has probably received 
■■more favor than any other school of which I have 
notice. The Nansemond Seminary, of which Mrs. 
Quimby is principal, is a school that recommends 
itself It is limited in its scholarships, and has 
gained quite a reputation. 

Chapter XI. 

•OLD BEIsTn's church — SUFFOLK'S FIRST RAILROAD, 
ETC. 

It is interesting to read of relics of the olden 
times and bring up associations connected there- 
with. I will now notice an antiquated old build- 
ing, in Isle of Wight county, Va., on the main 
road leading from Suffolk to Smithfield, and about 
five miles from the latter place. It is called Old 
Benn's Church. At what time it was built, I have 
never heard, but it must have been soon after the 
settlement of this country. The rude hand of time 
has reduced it to bare walls and nothing is left of 
its interior to show that it was ever a place of wor- 
ship. That it was built when this country was a 
colony there can be no question. There is a bury- 
ing ground at the place, on which can be seen tomb 
stones of very ancient date, and, if I mistake not, 
the first rector of the church or some of his family^ 
was buried at it ; a tablet could be seen set in the 
building of the fact. Bishop Meade, in his history 
of the Episcopal Churches in Virginia, mentions 
Benn's Church as being one of, if not the oldest^ 
church in the state. It has been snatched from 



further decay by some benevolent ladies and will; 
soon a.g-ain become a place of worship. Let the 
names of these ladies form the future history of that 
sacred old church, and let future generations know 
that it was at one time from decay reduced to bare 
walls, and that bv the humane efforts of some ladies, 
it has been reclaimed and once more presents the 
appearance of a house of worship, standing as a 
monument to its former renown and greatness. 
There are several Episcopal churches in this county,, 
that should not be allowed to go to decay. They 
stand as landmarks in Virginia; built long before 
the recollection of any one now living. I know of 
several places in this county, that I have been told 
were Glebe property, and at one time were and had 
erected on them Episcopal churches. In many 
places these churches have gone down, the land 
escheated, and are now occupied by churches of 
other denominations. And it may have been so, 
as they are just stich places as old Episcopal 
churches now stand on elevated sites, near running- 
streams. I could state some very interesting facts 
connected with many places in this county, which 
might appear very meritorious, nevertheless, they 
are trne, and form a part of the history of the 
county. 

I will now mention Mount Pleasant, the home 
of the Meades, of Virginia. This was at one 
time a very beautiful estate, on the west bank of 
what is now known as Smith's Creek, and is the 
Southern Branch, of the Nansemond River; long 
before the revolution this place was settled, and at 
the time very large vessels could navigate the 
creek as far as Mount Pleasant; it then being a wide 
and deep river, and I have been told that a direct 
oreign trade was carried on with that place. A 



;grave-yard can be seen at Mount Pleasant which is 
very singular and has some curiously inscribed 
tomb stones in it, of persons who died there many 
years ago. By the ruthless hand of tim« many oi 
the tombs were mutilated and it may be that Jittle 
IS left of them. I had the inscriptions of some of 
■them, but gave them to a gentleman from West- 
moreland county, Virginia. He wanted them on 
account of their singularity, and he being an anti- 
quarian he said they would be quite an acquisition 
to his cabinet of curiosities. It is highly probable 
that Mount Pleasant was settled long before the 
Dismal Swamp was known or heard of, and I 
doubt if any one thought that there could be found 
:such a place as it really was existed, and having hid 
in its dark foliage such a beautiful place as Lake 
Drummond. 

The first great enterprise that was com- 
menced in Suffolk, after the surrender, was the 
building of the railroad of the Suffolk Lumber 
Company, which runs from Suffolk to Asher, in 
Gates county, North Carolina, where is the home 
•of the Hon. C. A. Whaley. As soon as the road 
was completed as far as Whaley ville, in Nansemond 
•county, Va., a town soon sprung up, and a mer- 
cantile business was commenced, which for a time 
paralyzed business in Suffolk. It stoj^ped the 
channel through which flowed the life-blood of the 
town from where it started. This road is owned by 
Elilew Jackson, (Governor- elect of Maryland) & 
Co., and brothers, and has frcm its commencement 
done a heavy business. It has been ably managed 
by W. Whaley, Esq., and Mr. Cannon. Whether 
it has been of any great good to Suffolk, is a 
question that we are not prepared to answer, though 
the landholders through which it has passed have 



44 

been benefitted; it brought their pine timber intO' 
market, which otherwise would have remamed a 
primeval forest and a dead expense to its owners. 
The sale of it to Jackson & Co., has cleared many 
of debt, and to that extent the road has been a 
benefit. The company has bought large landed 
possessions in Alabama and Georgia, and will soon 
move their field of operations to those points. The 
quantity of wood and timber that has been trans- 
ported over the road, is incredible. To say the least 
of Jackson and Brothers, they started a spirit of 
enterprise, which to some extent, has been a bene- 
fit. New ideas have been infused into the minds 
of our people, and instead of keeping their capital 
locked up they have invested it in various direc- 
tions for the improvement and benefit of trade,, 
thereby causing to spring up factories and machine 
shops, to say nothing of the many other advant- 
ages that are derived through patriotic motives. 

Chapteh XII. 

BEAR HUNTING SOUTHAMPTON REMINISCENICES,. 
ETC, 

It is customary in the tall season to have what is 
called bear hunts in the Dismal Swamp, and parties 
are frequently made up to go on such hunts: before 
going it is necessary that some preparation should 
be made. Bear hunting is very dangerous, and is 
sometimes attended with difficulty. Before starting 
you should provide yourself with a cowboy suit, a 
good rifle, a pair of revolvers, a bowie knife — 16 
inch blade, and sub-marine armor. When thus 
equipped, you can enter the Swamp. You pro- 
ceed cautiously along listening to hear the bears 
lapping, when you go in the direction of the sound- 
Bears move very cautiously, and you should be 



45 

sure to keep a good lookout in your rear, as it 
sometimes happens that when you are going for- 
ward a drove of them are following you, and when 
least expected they make the attack, and if the par- 
ties should be the least separated it often happens 
that all perish. I was told of a party that were out 
on a bear hunt in the Dismal Swamp, who supposed 
that they could face anything. The party con- 
sisted of eight good men; they had not proceeded 
very far in the Swamp, when they heard in the dis- 
tance the lapping of bears; of course it was very 
exciting, and if one has any courage he is apt to 
show it at the time; a halt was made and the ques- 
tion asked what should be done ? They were not 
thinking of the danger that was sorrounding them; 
they did not think that bears were on their path. 
But it was too late. Whilst discussing what to do 
they were sprung upon from the rear and six were 
badly lacerated, one rode off on the back of a 
bear and the last one retreated to the Lake for 
safety. Should you at any time go to the Dismal 
Swamp to hunt bears, be exceedingly careful to 
have your rear well guarded. 

Researches among old papers often bring to 
light subjects that long have been forgotten and 
which if cultivated tends in many ways to the bene- 
fit of the rising generation. We often hear of events 
that have long since transpired which at the time 
we pass un-noticed; but somehow or other an 
impression is made and sooner or later something 
transpires that brings to our recollection a circum- 
stance which refreshes our memory of some im- 
portant event of which we have a slight remem- 
brance. Looking over the fourteenth volume of 
Col. Godfrey's work entitled Important Discoveries, 
to see if we could find anything therein written by 



46 

which we could identify " Uncle Aleck's Mule '' and 
if possible to define him that there could be no 
reasonable doubt but that it was the same mule 
rode by Nat Turner and that he was driven by the 
young- mother in her flight with her infant to the 
Dismal Swamp, and if what G. P. R. James said in 
his Old Dominion be true, we must believe that 
Uncle Aleck and Nat Turner rode the same mule. 
No other account was ever given that ever came to 
our knowledge. But it will make no difference as 
everybody knew that Uncle Aleck had a mule; but 
as we have stated before looking over the fourteenth 
volume of Col. Godfrey's work on "Important Dis- 
coveries;" many years ago we read in it an account 
of his first visit to the county of Southampton, 
Virginia,and the many important discoveries therein 
made. His visit to that county was on very impor- 
tant business, and being a man of great observa- 
tion he was careful and cautious. lie was tracing 
some titles, and it was necessary that he should 
make many inquires. The country was wild and 
but sparsely settled, at that time, and it was ex- 
tremely diflicnlt for one to get accommodation for 
man and horse. He was fearful at times that he 
would not be able to reach a shelter for the night. 
He had crossed at the South Quay Ferry, at an 
early hour, and had been in the saddle all day and 
was very much fatigued and exhausted, beides he 
had ate nothing. Night was fast approaching and 
he in a strange country. He reined up his horse, 
which caused him to increase his gait. He had not 
ridden many miles further when he thought that he 
heard a cock crow; he listened and soon he heard 
the sound repeated. He was then satisfied that he 
was near some human habitation. What must have 
been his teelings, when he knew that he would soon 



47 

reach a place where he probably would be able to 
stay for the night, to rest and refresh himself. He 
rode on and in a short time came in sight of a very 
neat and comfortable looking house, not many rods 
from the road. He arrived in front of it and found 
that everythmg about the house had the appear- 
ance of neatness and comfort, and that he would 
probably be accommodated for the night. So he 
dismounted from his horse and opened the gate and 
proceeded to the house. The proprietor must 
have been very fond of fox hunting, from the num- 
ber of hounds that made an attack on him as he 
rode up the avenue, and which was so sudden that 
it brought out the entire household. It was get- 
ting dark, but sufficiently light to see one approach- 
mg on horse back. The dogs were called off, and 
he heard a voice exclaim ride up. A very hand" 
some picket fence surroundetl the house and upon 
arriving at the gate he was met by a fine looking 
old English gentleman, who invited him to dis- 
mount and have his horse stabled. Thanking him 
for his kindness, he at once dismounted and taking 
the extended hand of the old gentleman and said, 
sir, I am a benighted traveller and a stranger in 
this section, and have sought your kindness for 
shelter for the night. You are heartily welcome, 
said the old gentleman; strangers, if gentlemen, are 
always welcome visitors to my house; so without 
any further ceremony walk in and rest yourself, for 
I imagine that you have been in your saddle for 
several hours and must feel quite fatigued. I have 
been riding since early morning and was surprised 
to find the country so thinly settled; this is the first 
place that I have seen at which I could venture to 
stop. Very true, he replied, but you will, as you 
advance, find the connti'y more thickly settled. We 



48 

walked into the house and were met in the hall by 
a very fine looking and matronly old lady. Giving 
his name as Godfrey, the old gentleman grasped 
his hand and said Col. Godfrey this is indeed let 
me intoduce you to my wife, Mrs. Ridley. Ridley 
did you say ? The same, this is indeed most for- 
tunate. Say no more Col. Godfrey, walk into the 
sitting room, you will rind a cheerful rire and as the 
air is a little chilly, a seat by the fire .1 cause you 
to feel more comfortable. Make yourself perfectly 
at home, you will excuse me for a short time while 
I give some directions to my head man, when I will 
rejoin you. You are very excusable, Col. Ridley, re- 
plied Col. Godfrey, I do not wish you to let my 
appearance interfere in the least with your busi- 
ness arrangements. The Colonel was not long 
away, and on re-entering the room remarked to 
Col. Godfrey, this unexpected meeting is very mys- 
terious to me, and the more so because my wife 
remarked but a very short time ago that some 
stranger was coming, that she knew it from the 
incessant crowing of the chickens, and the fierce 
howl of ihe hounds; I shall always hereafter be- 
lieve in such signs. But Colonel, our supper is 
quite ready; you' will be shown to a room where 
you may arrange your toilet. Having performed 
this duty, he was met in the hall by Col. Ridley, 
who said. Colonel it has been the custom at my 
house since my earliest manhood, just before eat- 
ing to take a toddy, made of the juice of the Cider 
I Berry, which is prepared in this county, and is the 
only medicine used in my family. The farmers of 
this county have a peculiar way of preparing it, 
and everybody that has used it speak of the good 
qualities, which it possesses. Some say that its 
use, when you feel badly, will cause you to feel 



49 

■good; and to use when you feel good will make joil 
feel bad. It always makes me feel good; and I 
am remarkably fond of it. The oftener you take 
this medicine the better you will like it. There is 
sugar and honey, a little of either added, will make 
it much more palatable, as honey is soothing and 
acts well foi the lungs; I will try the honey. This 
l)eing dispf 1 of, they proceeded to supper, Col. 
Ridley led .he way to the supper room, and on en- 
tering found the family all standing waiting. They 
were soon seated and on the table before themwas 
placed a good old fashioned Virginia supper. Ad- 
dressing himself to Mrs. Ridley, Col. Godfrey said: 
Madame, I fear that you have on this occasion put 
yourself to some unnecessary trouble on my ac- 
count. Not in the least, graciously responded that 
lady. Then turning to Col. Ridley; Col. ( jodfrey 
said, you were quite right Colonel when you said 
that the juice would make one feel good, it has had 
that effect on me already and I feel that I can do 
ample justice to this fine supper. I am glad you 
think so, returned Col. R.; nothing pleases me more 
than to see my visitors eat heartily, help yourself, 
it does appear to me that one who has been riding 
all day would not require any artifiicial means of 
inducing an appetite. Colonel, said Mrs. Ridley, 
I suppose this is your first visit to the county? No 
madame, replied Col. Godfrey, I passed through a 
[jortion of it several years ago to locate some lands 
on the Nottoway river, and as there appears to be 
some dispute about the titles, I am on my way to 
look after it. Yes she said, I heard you were com- 
ing and am truly glad you made it convenient to 
come this way, and besides you are on the direct 
road; do you apprehend any trouble ? Not the 
least: my papers are authenticated, and I have only 



io present them. I hope, she said, that you will 
find it as you have stated. Supper being over, 
they all repaired to the sitting room. Col. Ridley 
had a daughter whose husband, a colonel of in- 
fantry, had been killed in the war of the revolution 
and large grants of land had been made by the 
Government to his heirs. What was the name oi 
the soldier? enquired Col. Godfrey. Col. G. Brad- 
ley, answered Col. R. Bradley ? Yes sir, that 
was his name. That is a part of the business 
which caused my visit in this direction, and Mrs. 
Bradley need have no fears as to the validity of her 
title. I have the papers with me that will place her 
in full possession of the estate. Besides she is en- 
titled ta a large amount from the Government, as 
half pay for her husbands services during the re- 
\olution, which she \vi\\ receive on application 
through the proper channel. It was now getting 
quite late and Col. G. was told that his room was 
ready, if he wished to retire. Feeling a little 
sleepy, after having eaten a hearty supper and as 
he had to make an early start in the morning, he 
thought it best to goto his room, so bidding the 
family good night he followed a boy, who carried a 
lighted candle, to the room to which he had been 
assigned for the night, in which a cheerful fire was 
burning;the boy entered the room closing the door 
behind him and said: Mass boss, mammy tole me to 
ax you ef you war any kin to de man dat made de 
baby medcin ? Who is your mammy ? enquired 
the now thoroughly interested Colonel. She's de 
Oman dat nusses ' all de babys on de plantation. 
Tell your mammy that I will see her in the morn- 
ing; yas sar, he said, and left the room. The 
Colonel soon retired as he felt somewhat jaded. He 
awoke at an early hour and having some moments 



leisure got up and dressed liimself, about this tiiuc 
he heard a tapping at his door and at the same 
time the \'oice of the boy exclaiming, ise got a 
pitcher of fresh watef for you. Bting- it in, said 
the Colonel. The boy entered showing two rows 
of w'hite ivory. Boss will you hab a fire made ? 
No said the Colonel, I will soon be ready to go 
down; is the Colonel up ? Yas sar, an is waitin for 
you. Then I will go down, said the Colonel, 
which he did and was met at the foot of the stairs 
\^y Col. Ridley, who bade a cheerful good morning 
and expressed the hope that he felt much better 
ifter his nights rest. Thank you sir, I am glad to 
say that I feel very much refreshed. If you feel 
disposed, said Col. R., we will take a walk out, the 
air is bracing and a little walk will give you an ap- 
l)etite for your breakfast, which will soon be ready. 
They started, and as the old nurse ot the planta- 
tion wished to see Col. G., he proposed to his host 
that they should go to her quarters. They had 
but a short distance to go, as her house was very 
conveniently situated. When they arrived they 
found they old lady with a baby in her lap evidendy 
for some purpose. Good morning aunty, said Col. 
G.; the old woman looked very much excited; she 
wore a pair of spectacles, the lenses of which 
looked like two saucers. Mornin' sir, she replied. 
What arc you going to do with your baby.enquired 
the ^olonel. I'm gwine to feed it sir; its mammy is 
ded, an I hab to feed it myself What do you 
give it to cat ? I char tater, spit it out on my fin- 
ger an wipe cross de chile's mouf, arter dat I make 
a sugar rag, put some sweet flag in it, put de rag 
in de chile's mouf and lay it down; it goes to sleep, 
an wen it wakes up ef it cries I git it some more 
"tater. But queried the Colonel, suppose it is sick ? 



5^- 

[ can always tell dat; ef it draws up its legs and 
( kicks, I no dat sumthin is de matter, an I den gib it 
some cider beiTy juice, wid nut meg grated ober it)- 
an in no time de baby cries for mo of de juice. 
Sum folks gib dar babys' Godfrey's Gargle, but I 
dus not blebe in doctors fisic; nine times out ob ten 
dey will kill de baby. I thort dat you war sum 
kin to Mr. Godfrey, dat made de medcin, and wood 
ax you 'bout it. No aunty I am no km to him. 

Being informed that breakfast was ready Col. R. 
proposed that they should return to the house, and 
that a little of the cider berry juice would add 
much to the enjoyment of the meal; and as every 
thing was convient proposed that they should in- 
dulge. Col. G. took some of the juice with honey 
as before and was then ready for breakfast. Col. R. 
led the way and on entering found a hot smoking- 
breakfast. Mrs. R. remarked: Colonel, you are an 
early riser I see; I fear that you did not rest well 
last night. I assure you mamdame, the Colonel 
gallantly replied, I could not have been made more 
comlortable. My business being urgent it was ne- 
cessary that I should rise early. You do not 
think of leaving this early ? Yes madame, you 
know that delays are dangerous I have spent a very 
pleasant time and hope not long hence to make a 
more extended visit. I was very much amused 
this morning at seeing the nurse of the plantation 
feeding a baby. It was quite a novel sight to me. 
The old woman does not appear to have much con- 
fidence in doctors. No sir, replied the lady, we- 
have been living here a long time; and no doctor 
has ever been called, professionally, to see any one 
at the place. The old woman with her tater, sweet 
flag, sugar rags, cider berry juice and Black Jack, 
keeps every one in a healthy condition. She must 



53 

be very valuable to you said the Colonel. Yes sir, 
said Mrs. R. we could not do without her, and her 
loss could not be replaced. It is getting late and 
I am admonished I must leave said the Colonel, for 
I have some distance yet to ride. He said it would 
be a great pleasure for him to remain longer under 
the hospitable roof of his kind host and hostess, but 
that it would not be possible for him to do so. He 
said further that he had some papers which he 
would hand over to Col. Ridley which would be of 
great service to his daughter, Mrs. Bradley, as they 
would secure her right to certain disputed property, 
and that he must bid them adieu. Then address- 
ing himself to Col. R., said : These papers are 
valuable, take them and entrust them only into the 
hands of Mrs. Bradley, and that if he would now 
order his horse he would proceed on his way. Col. 
R. assured him that he would like to have him 
stay longer, but that of course he best knew his 
business; that it had been his custom to welcome 
all visiting and speed all departing guests. That 
should he happen to come that way again he would 
be delighted to have him stop, as he would always 
find a hearty welcome. Col. Godfrey thanked his 
new friend and said that should it be his fortune 
again to visit that neighborhood he promised not 
to pass him by. His horse was waiting, so giving 
the Colonel a hearty shake of the hand and bidding 
good-bye to all, he mounted and rode away. 



CHARTERED 1872 



Suffolk Collegiate Institut , 

Preparatory, Practical or Finishing 

. IN . 

Classics, llatlieiiiatics, ScieDces and tlie Fine Aits. 

ADEQUATE FACULTY. 

Discipline. — Self-acting under Parental and 
Christion Direction. Cliaracter is primary. Con^- 
duct is resultant. 

Domestic Arrangements.— Economical, sub- 
stantial, home-like. 

Terms. — Reasonable. Both sexes admitted. 

Sessions begin middle of September and end 
the following June. For Catalogues and other in- 
formation, addres.s 

PROF, P. J. KERNODLE, A. M., 

PRINCIPAL 



Suffolk Military Academy. 

ESTABLISHED IN 1875. 

The following- constitute an able and experi- 
enced Faculty : 
JOSEPH KING, A, M., Principal (with 27 years' 

experience as a teacher). 
Rev. ROWLAND DOGGETT, A. M., (Ran- 

doloh-Macon), Associate. 
P. ST. JULIEN WILSON (Va. Military Institute). 
Dr. W. W. MURRAY (Dublin University). 
Dr. a. W. ELEY, Dr. E. D. PHILLIPS, attend- 
ing Physicians. 

The testimonials (see Catalogue) from distin- 
guished educators at the University of Virginia, 
the Virginia Military Institute and other institutions 
— from leading members of the Virginia Confer- 
ence — from its patrons in different States, and from 
the leading citizens of Suffolk, are a sufficient guar- 
antee of the high character and standing of the 
school and the practical ability and fidelity oj the 
teachers. 

Boys and Youns;- Men are here prepared for business 
or for college, and are surrounded by the best social 
and religions influences. 

The military exercises (which tak»^ no time from re- 
gular study hours) are only intended to make boys 
healthy and stron;^, and to give them an erect and 
graceful beariiijr. 

The Academy is supplied with Chemical and Philo- 
sophical Apparatus for Scientific Illustration ; with 
Charts, Globes and Magic Lantern to illustrate Geo- 
graphy, Physiology, Natural History and Astronomy; 
with new Instruments for field work in Land Survey- 
ing and Civil Engineering; with two Telegraph Instru- 
ments and Batteries for practice in Telegraphy, and 
other educational appliances for different branches of 
study. Handsome Nickel-plated Rifles and Accoutre- 
ments flunished by the State. 

All our arrangements are homelike, and conducive 
to healtJi, comfort, and nie/ital ixnd worr:/ develop- 
ment. 

Total expenses for one year (including neat navy 
blue uniform), from I175 to I190. 

For twenty-page Catalogue, with view of buildings 
and grounds, address 

JOSEPH KING, A. M., Principal, 

Or Rev. ROWLAND DOGGETT, A. M., Associate. 

Suffolk, Va. 



CHARTERED 1881. 



yMlv iymik tefflufis 



-FOR- 



Young Ladies and Little Girls. 



BOARD AND LITERARY TUITION $160 PER YEAR. 



The Charter authorizes the Faculty to confer all 
the regular Collegiate Degrees. 

The Eighteenth Annual Session opened in SEP- 
TEMBER, 1887, and closes the second Wednes- 
day in JUNE, 1888. 

Students received at any time, but are advised to 
enter at the beginning of a term. 

Suffolk is one of the healthiest and most accessi- 
ble Towns in Virginia. 

The Corps of Teachers is eflicient and experi- 
enced. The home training, moral and attractive. 
Fine advantages in MUSIC, AKT and LAN- 
GUAGES, at moderate rates. 

For Catalogue apply to 

MISSES FINNEY, 

Box 1 46, SUFFOLK, VA. 



Hl III &miM^tt 



FOR- 



YOUNG LADIES AND GIRLS, 

SUFFOLK, VA. 



The First Session of this Institution commenced 
its exercises SEPTEMBER 20TH, 1887, with flat- 
tering prospects, being attended by young ladies 
t'rom Surry, iSorthampton, Isle of Wight and Nan- 
semond counties. 

The Earge and Commodious Brick Building, 
recently erected on Kilby street, by Dr. Skiles, has 
been secured for the purpose. 

The course ol instruction is such as to prepare 
young ladies for the various duties of life. 

Special attention paid to moral and religious 
training, as well as social culti\'ation, thereby ren- 
dering this a home-like school. 

Terms Very Moderate. 

^\n- any desired information, address 



CUE. \VM. H. DARDEN, ) ^ . . 

MISS NOVEEEA S. DARDEN, ) ^ ^'"^ipals. 



Or, .AlISS ElZZIE J. KING, 

Associate. 



— THE ) 

Suffolk & Carolina Railway Co , 

PrcNicfeiil, « IIAI \<a]V l]SR<><>K!«i. 

Sec'j aiKl Treah., WI?!, H. BO.^S.El . 

DIRKCTOKS: 

Chauncey Brooks, Wm. II. p]osley, 

Wm. N. Camp, Chas. F. I'itt, Jr., 

.John S. Gittings, S. \\ Kyland, Jr. 

FRED. P. HFBBELL, V. P. and (len'l Manager. 
K. H. THOMPSON. Supt. and Auditor. 



The road extends from Suftblk. Ya. , to Montrose 
Landing on the Chowan Eiver, N. C. 

Direct communication by water to all the rivers 
and sounds of North Carolina, and from Suffolk to 
Baltimore by the Suffolk Steamboat Company '.s 
regular line of steamers. 

^;The shortest and most direct route from Eastern, 
]N. C, to Norfolk and Northern cities. Makes 
close connections at Suffolk with the Atlantic and 
Dainille road, the Norfolk and Western and the 
Seaboard and Eoanoke roads. 

Bv taking this route, business men on the 
Chowan and Roanoke can visit Norfolk, spend 
sevc.l hours there, and be at home again the 
san-,e da v. 



